Mushfiqur leads Bangladesh to record chase in T20 tri-series

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Mushfiqur Rahim hit a blazing half-century to help Bangladesh chase down a record 215 and beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in a thrilling Twenty20 international of the tri-series in Colombo on Saturday.

Rahim smashed an unbeaten 72 off 35 balls as the visitors achieved their target with two balls to spare at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Rahim, who hit 5 fours and 4 sixes, broke into a dance after giving Bangladesh their highest-ever run chase in the shortest format, and the fourth biggest overall in international T20s.

The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman built crucial partnerships after openers Tamim Iqbal, who hit 47, and Liton Das, who made 43 off 19 balls, set up the chase with a brisk start.

Paceman Nuwan Pradeep struck two crucial blows including Liton's wicket but Sri Lankan bowlers failed to stop the flow of runs from Mushfiqur, who was named man of the match.

Earlier Sri Lanka opener Kusal Mendis, who made 57, and Kusal Perera, who top-scored with 74, put together 85 runs for the second wicket to guide the hosts to 214-6, after being put into bat first.